Perched above Kloof Street is the stylish village of Oranjezicht, known for its trendy art set, and superb location at the foothills of Table Mountain.
Just a stone’s throw away from the city of Cape Town, this central location is also within close proximity to neighbouring suburbs of Gardens and Vredehoek, and Buitenkant and Long Streets in the city. Beautiful architectural designs of bygone eras grace the area, where homes have panoramic views of the mountain, the foreshore and both the Atlantic and False Bay coastlines. Classic architectural designs are seen from Victorian terrace houses, to quaint Edwardian cottages and Georgian houses, to a number of stately mansions designed by Sir Herbert Baker. Modern designs and finishes have transformed many older homes in the area, giving it an air of refinement to suit this sought after contemporary lifestyle.
Translated from Dutch, Oranjezicht means orange view, and according to historic records the name relates to two visual landmarks of this mountain suburb. When the Oranjezicht Farmstead was purchased in the 1670’s by an immigrant from the Swiss canton of Fribourg, it was named after the magnificent views of the Orange bastion of the Castle. Other references to the name originated from an abundance of orange trees visible further down in the valley, while early Dutch Settlers reportedly chose to honour Prince William of Orange, the Dutch ruler at the time. Today Orange Street remains the pulse of the suberb, with the latest addition of referrals to its name also including an exclusive residential property development named Orangerie.
A view of the Area.
Since this area is particularly popular with single occupants and small families, the apartment lifestyle has always been much in demand. Young professionals who work in the city, as well as students of the University of Cape Town’s Drama Faculty on Orange street and the Cape Technikon in Gardens. Also contributing to the demand for convenient living in this central location is that residents have little need for private transport. Short walking distances between both private and commercial property developments, provide retail and entertainment opportunities, while the Atlantic Seaboard beaches of Campsbay and Clifton can be easily reached by bus and taxi.
Locals need not go far for outdoor entertainment so close to the vast expanses of Table Mountain, from where mountain hiking and trail running can be done. Open public spaces include the Molteno Reservoir that was declared a National Monument in 1968, just below Camp Street. This natural park is planted with tall shady pine and cypress trees also has large lawns ideal for fresh air recreational purposes. For all day and night entertainment, Kloof Street’s vibey restaurant and café culture is easily accessible on foot from Oranjezicht, while the city centre and Bohemian environment of Long Street is a mere five minutes away.
From a property ownership perspective, Lightstone shows average freehold prices here currently standing at R4.7-million, compared to R4.3-million in Tamboerskloof, R3.3-million in Cape Town City Centre, and R6.8-million in the exclusive nearby suburb of Higgovale. Sectional scheme average prices of R1.1-million fall within the same price range as nearby Vredehoek, and those in Oranjezicht reflect growth from R571 000 in 2004 to R1 157 in 2012. Average freehold prices here moved from R1.78-million in 2004 to R5-million in 2011, currently standing at a lower level of R4.9-million.
